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baby skin

Tips on taking care of your baby’s skin

Jan 27, 2022Updated on Aug 11, 2023
Preglife

ByPreglife

Vi har valt att samarbeta med experter som har en omfattande erfarenhet för att du ska få så relevant och faktabaserad information som möjligt under din graviditet, efter födseln och de första 2 åren med ditt barn.

Your baby’s skin is extremely thin and sensitive. It is prone to rashes and irritation, and it does require a bit more attention and special care. But don’t worry, you only need to follow a few simple tips for your baby to stay comfortable and their skin healthy.

Things to keep in mind when choosing products:

  • You should avoid products with fragrances and dyes.
  • Give preference to products that are both natural and lightly fragranced or fragrance-free.
  • The products should be phthalate-free and paraben-free.
  • Baby lotion is a good option to moisturize your baby’s skin.
  • Petroleum jelly can be used both to heal the circumcision site (in case your baby has been circumcised) and to treat rash.
  • Baby oil is not an appropriate product to moisturize your baby’s skin, however, it is great for massage.
  • Baby powder is a great option when used with caution and moderation. Keep it away from baby’s face and genitals, and make sure it is talc free.
  • Avoid using adhesive bandages. However, if you need to use it, remove it with an emollient, and as carefully as you can.
  • Vernix (fetal skin fat) and breastmilk can be used as moisturizers. However, make sure it is well spread-out, so it does not stick on the skin layers.
  • Cleaning wipes are okay to use when you are in a hurry or do not have access to water, but they are not recommended on a daily basis, for their continuous use can cause contact dermatitis and make the skin more sensitive. Whenever you can, rinse the area to remove all the soap
  • A thin layer of an emollient of your choice can be used twice a week after bath. But keep in mind that the product should be adjusted to the climate conditions, such as humidity and temperature, of the time of the year and the place you live.

References:

  • Blume‐Peytavi, U., Lavender, T., Jenerowicz, D., Ryumina, I., Stalder, J. F., Torrelo, A., & Cork, M. J. (2016). Recommendations from a European roundtable meeting on best practice healthy infant skin care. Pediatric dermatology, 33(3), 311-321.
  • Coret, C. D., Suero, M. B., & Tierney, N. K. (2014). Tolerance of natural baby skin-care products on healthy, full-term infants and toddlers. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 7, 51.
  • Davis, J. L. (2008, August 8). What Baby Skin Care Products Does Your Newborn Need? WebMD.
  • Fernandes, J. D., Machado, M. C. R., & Oliveira, Z. N. P. D. (2011). Children and newborn skin care and prevention. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 86, 102-110.